Bill Taylor has been named as the new cross county and track coach for both the men's and women's programs at Lipscomb University.

He is entering his 11th season as a head coach, having excelled at Northwest University in Kirkland, Wash., for 10 years.

"We are pleased with the addition of Bill Taylor to our dedicated group of coaches," said Dr. Steve Potts, director of athletics. "Bill built the Northwest University cross country and track program into an NAIA national power, competing successfully with NCAA Division I programs along the way.

"Bill is a man of great Christian faith and integrity and has a passionate commitment to coaching. We are confident that he will be a great fit for our program."

His Northwest women's team won the 2002 NAIA National Championship in Cross Country. His women's team finished in the top seven nationally four straight years from 2000 to 2003. His women's teams won four consecutive Cascade Conference Championships and two Region I Championships.

His women's teams finished in the Top 20 nationally five times in women's track and field. His women's cross country team posted a 98 percent winning percentage against all competition and an 84 percent winning percentage against NCAA Division I teams from 1999 t0 2003 including victories over Washington State and Bradley.

He was the 2002 NAIA National Coach of the Year and has won 16 other Conference and Regional Coach of the Year honors.

He spent last year as an assistant at Belmont University working with the women's cross country and track teams.

"I believe in total personal development," Taylor said. "Even though my goal is to win, it is just as important to develop each person and to help them become leaders, help them to have a great experience and help them learn to grow in academics. I am interested in developing every aspect of a student-athlete. I care about every athlete."

Taylor sees a bright future for the cross country and track programs at Lipscomb.

"Lipscomb is a terrific school," said Taylor. "It is an incredible environment. It is the kind of environment I want to be in where you integrate Christianity with athletics. It is also a great academic school.

"Lipscomb has everything I would want in recruiting athletes. I already know I can succeed. It is just a matter of time here. I think I can bring in the right people and help them do amazing things."

He and his wife, Tabetha, have tow daughters, Isabella, 3, and Ellie, 4 months. They reside in Nashville.